For me, as a single person, it can be a subject that is rather uncomfortable. By Yasmin Browne
As much as we love our friends and family, why do they insist on repeatedly asking such a personal question?: “When are you going to get married?” or “When are you going to settle down?” Whether you are single or in a serious relationship, there could be a number of reasons why you might not want to be asked. So, here are some tips on how to avoid and deal with one of the trickiest questions ever…
1. Bat the question back…
This can be a clever tactic. If asked the dreaded question, fire something back – ask them a question and make it about them. If they still persist, then barrage them with more questions, before you know it the subject will be forgotten! Ok this doesn’t always work. If they persist try just half an answer. For example: “Ah marriage, well we have talked about it…by the way, how’s that project going?” This will satisfy your interrogator, whilst allowing you to talk about other things
2. Laugh…
When in doubt laugh it off. Follow a laugh with a “Wow…that’s forward!” and most people will get the point. You have successfully side stepped the conversation and made it look like you have a sense of humour and don’t take yourself too seriously, No matter how annoying the question is, sometimes it is actually coming from a good place…you don’t need to start throwing knives straight away.
3. Cut them down…(in a polite way!)
Now this would depend on the way a person asked or possibly the type of person that asked you. There are ways of setting a tone that pretty much says “it’s not your business!”without causing huge offence. For example, you could say: “Not yet, but I’m sure you will be the first to know love!” Not only is that answer short and sweet, but it pretty much tells that person to stop prying.
4. Just be honest
Why not? You shouldn’t be embarrassed if your partner has not yet proposed, or be ashamed of still being single. Nor should you worry if you are not in a place where you are ready to be married – there are so many different reasons why people aren’t. So, why not be honest and say why you are not or don’t want to be. Sometimes saying things out loud can really take the pressure off.
Have you ever been asked about marriage or proposals? What would you do?